How To Manually Update Your DAT Files
Typically, your McAfee antivirus software is configured to automatically update your DAT files (virus signatures) on regular basis. Sometimes it may be necessary to update your DAT files more frequently such as when a new virus is spreading and McAfee releases updated DAT files to detect this new virus before your normal scheduled update will take place. Under these circumstances you may be asked to manually force an update of your software. The steps listed below will assist you in this process.
Note, this applies to Windows systems using VirusScan Enterprise 8.0.0 only:
1) In the lower right hand side of your screen, in the Task Bar, you will
see the VirusScan VShield icon. Right click on it and then select the Update Now.. option and wait for the process to finish.
2) A progress window will appear during the update process. When the update completes the window can be closed by either pressing the Close button or waiting for the window to close automatically.
NOTE: During this process any new DAT files, EXTRA.DAT files, Scan Engines, Service Packs and HotFixes that are available should also be updated on your system.